Telebrands Recalls Scarves with Microwaveable Heat Packs Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Therma Scarf scarves

Units: About 98,500 in the United States and about 1,500 in Canada

Importer: Telebrands Corp., of Fairfield, N.J.

Hazard: The heat packs can overheat when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received seven reports of overheating, including five fires, three of which resulted in property damage to the microwave. Two of the incidents were in Canada. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled scarves have pockets and microwaveable heat packs composed of flax seeds. The scarves are made of polyester/cotton, and were sold in black and camel colors.

Sold at: Bed Bath & Beyond® stores, As Seen on TV retail kiosks in shopping malls nationwide, through direct response television and over the internet at www.thermascarf.com and www.asseenontvguys.com from October 2009 through January 2010 for between $20 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Therma Scarf and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If purchased through the infomercial or over the internet, consumers will be contacted by Telebrands with instructions on how to obtain a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Telebrands at (800) 777-4034 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.telebrands.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=991

submitted by: Lee County Emergency Services DFM Mike Tatum